Dubai - The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday it recognized the independence of Kosovo, the official Emirates news agency WAM reported.

The decision to recognize Kosovo as an independent sovereign state was "in accordance with the UAE government's firm support for the principle of the legitimate right of self-determination".

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia last February. European Union members and the United States recognized the secession immediately. The UAE, an ally of the US, is the first Arab country to recognize Kosovo's independence. (dpa)